Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people suffering from ADHD find their symptoms improve by taking medication. Each person's reaction to drugs is different, and side effects can be a problem.
Methylphenidate is part of a group of medications called stimulants. It increases the levels of a brain chemical that helps regulate the behavior and focus.
Stimulant medications
Stimulant drugs enhance concentration and attention in 70 to 80% of adults and children who take them. They work by altering neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Typically, they cause an initial increase in heart rate and blood pressure which lasts for a long time. Many experts suggest that you start low and gradually increase the dose over the course of several weeks.
Stimant medication is administered by mouth, typically once or twice a day. There are both short-acting and long-acting versions for most stimulants. Short-acting stimulants are peaking in a few hours, and they must be taken twice daily. Long-acting stimulants last between 8 and 12 hours, and are taken only once a week.
These drugs can trigger unwanted side effects, such as insomnia, nausea, and a decrease in appetite. Some people may become irritable or moody. However, these effects usually diminish over time and can be controlled by changing the dosage. In some cases stimulants can alter your personality. click for source may become withdrawn and sluggish, or focused and rigid. They may also raise the risk of developing other psychiatric issues, like depression and mania.
Most stimulants are controlled drugs and require prescription. Adults and adolescents use these substances to boost performance. They can develop addiction if they are not used properly or as prescribed. Due to these risks, doctors carefully consider the need for stimulant medication and keep track of the dosage and adverse effects.
Non-stimulant medicines
There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD medication options, and the one that is most suitable for you is determined by your personal requirements. These are prescription medications however they don't affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely cause negative side effects, however they may take longer to effect and last only for a period of 24 hours. Most of these drugs work by increasing norepinephrine levels in the brain. This includes antidepressants, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) nortriptyline and Pamelor.
Psychotherapy
Talk therapy can assist a person in learning how to cope with symptoms and develop new coping skills, such as stress management and impulsivity control. BetterHelp is a company that provides online therapy connects clients with licensed therapists with expertise in treating ADHD and other mental conditions. You can get matched to the right therapist in just 48 hours after taking a free online assessment. Stimulant and non-stimulant medication can help those with ADHD improve their ability to concentrate and decrease impulsivity, however they do not address the root causes of the disorder. Cognitive mindfulness and behavioral therapy can be utilized in conjunction with therapy to help people learn how to manage their impulsive behavior. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach, or practiced with a trained therapist. They can be taught to caregivers and parents to help the child or adult with ADHD in these areas. In some instances, a combination of medications and talk therapy is the best approach.